CA confirms tourism chief’s appointment

MANILA -- Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim was confirmed at the committee level of the Commission on Appointments (CA) Tuesday, the first appointee of the Aquino administration to do so.

Lim said his confirmation is not a vindication but a validation of the trust of the commission, and that of President Benigno Aquino III, in his ability to lead the tourism department.

This is despite opposition from travel agency operators.

Robert Lim Joseph, chairman of the Travel Cooperative of the Philippines, has accused Lim of using money for the Philippine Tourism Promotion Board. He added the board has not been formed yet.

Lim meanwhile said the Department of Tourism will not be using the "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" slogan, which was widely criticized and one of the issues being thrown at him.

Lim's appointment will still have to be approved at the plenary level of the CA. (Jonathan de Santos/Sunnex)